Behind the Scenes at the Creative Arts Emmys and More (Did We Mention We Partied With the Cast of Modern Family?)

Hollywood is officially back in session! The Creative Arts Emmy Awards kicked off Sunday afternoon at the Nokia theater in Downtown L.A., where Bob Newhart won his first Emmy (about time!), Behind the Candelabra took home eight awards, and Dan Bucatinsky won Scandal's first acting award. (How awesome would it be if our October cover girl, Kerry Washington, took home the Best Actress Emmy next Sunday night?)

Later in the evening, Audi and Altuzarra put on a killer soiree at West Hollywood hot spot Cecconi's, where everyone from Julie Bowen to Jessica Pare partied and mingled with all their fellow Emmy nominees.

Here's the scoop!

Previous GlamourWomen of the Year honoree (and Emmy nominee) Rory Kennedy said that even though she has a famous last name, she still had to fight to get some of her documentary projects made. "There are so many noes along the way. You just have to be persistent and keep opening those doors. Don't let the noes stop you," she said. Kennedy, whose next project is a film about the final days of the Vietnam War, admitted that "I'm sure it's been easier for me [coming from such a prominent family], but it's still challenging. Be creative not only in your work, but how you go about getting [people to notice you]."

Mad Men's Linda Cardellini (up for Guest Actress in a Drama Series) told me that she had no idea what part she would be playing when she first signed up for the AMC series. "It was a total leap of faith. They just assured me it would be a good part!" Cardellini, who doesn't know if she's coming back yet for Mad Men's next season, said that working with Jon Hamm has been a dream. "He's just the funniest, most normal guy."

Bob Newhart said he'd be fine with me stealing an Emmy for him if he didn't end up winning for his role as Professor Proton on The Big Bang Theory. As for how he planned on celebrating? "Well, this should get me a case of it...my wife and I will split a Miller Lite. We’ll probably go to Domino’s Pizza. And I’m hoping to go home in a Bentley. [Laughs]" Anybody from those companies listening right now?

Emmy winner Dan Bucatinsky (Scandal; Guest Actor in a Drama Series) said that once he lets go of his new hardware, his daughter has asked him to put it next to her swimming trophy. What a good dad!

Mayim Bialik hadn't yet heard that Newhart won the Emmy when I broke the news to her. Her reaction? "Oh, that's amazing! Thanks for telling me, that's incredible. That’s a big win for us.” Mayim, who wasn't actually in the episode that Newhart guest-starred in ("It was Passover that week!"), said she's hopeful she'll be there for the two he's already booked for this season.

Modern Family's Sarah Hyland looked gorgeous in a black lace Dolce and Gabbana and was reflective as the show goes into its fifth season. "We had a 100th-episode celebration party a few weeks ago, and I started bawling at some of the sweet moments! Seeing little Nolan [Gould] and seeing how tiny Ariel [Winter] was before her boobs came in. It’s just insane to think of! And my face was so angular and perfect! It's just so crazy to look back and see how much you have changed!"

(Hyland caught up with CBS Mom star Allison Janney during the party).

Meanwhile, Hyland's costar Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitch) said there's a lot of forward movement with Cam and Mitch this year. "I think it’s highly possible there will be a wedding this year. I don’t know if it will be Mitch and Cam!" Oh, come on! It has to be!

Will there be another baby, though, for Mitch and Cam? Ferguson admitted that though he would love to see that, he's not sure it would be the most practical option for the cast and crew. "Last week the boy that plays Baby Joe, Gloria and Jay's son, sort of held the set hostage because he was having a hard time getting through his scenes. I remember getting through those early days of Lily, and it’s very hard having a small child on set, so one at a time is all we can handle! Just for the sake of our sanity on set! [Laughs]"

Meanwhile, I caught up with my good friend Ty Burrell and his wife, who were having a blast hanging out with Modern Family co-creator Christopher Lloyd and costar Julie Bowen. Ty and I are planning a fun sports adventure in November that I can't wait to share with you guys as we get closer!

Also, for the first time FXX will be airing the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Saturday, September 21, at 9 P.M. ET/PT with an encore airing at midnight ET/PT.

Tons of Emmy parties are getting under way this week and weekend as we head into the Emmy night. What do you most want to know about how the Emmy nominees are getting ready? Tell me below!

Photos: Jessica Radloff; WireImage

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Jessica RadloffWest Coast entertainment writer. Always trying to make each interview more fun than the last. Obsessed with the St. Louis Cardinals, Scott Speedman, Sprinkles cupcakes--and apparently the letter S.